Organic food production is still hampered by concerns raised by consumers about the authenticity of organic produce, and although organic produce has secured market recognition in Malaysia. Attempts by the private sector and the government to address the issue however have not been so fruitful to date. This issue has been raised at public seminars, newspaper articles as well as internet chat sites.
Self claimed organic products can similarly retail alongside certified products at up to 300 percent more than conventional produce. The organic producers are burdened by the additional documentation, expenses, fees and control procedures which do not facilitate any additional market margin. NGO and public demands, the Malaysian government published the National Organic Standards (MS1529) in 2001. The Department of Agriculture established an organic certification program, Malaysian Organic Scheme (Skim Organik Malaysia-SOM), for the domestic market in December 2003.
The scope of the certification program, presently limited to crop production, is offered free of charge to farmers. Over 70 farmers have reportedly applied since 2004 but only 17 are certified so far. Certification of imported final products is clearly marked as such on their respective product labels. Importing from all over the world, the Malaysian market are with numerous certification marks, which wholesale and retail staff are not always able to explain correctly.
OAM or Organic Alliance Movement, comprising chief executive officers of major organic importers and wholesalers setup in 2002 has mixed results in establishing a local certification program; one of OAM’s founding objectives. Processors of imported certified bulk items often claim their repacked items are certified organic although their repacking operations are not certified. Processors of multi ingredients from different countries and certification systems face difficulty in the choice of certification body unless they simplify their supply sources.
Organic Alliance Movement or OAM is currently working on domestic organic assurance program, promoting Malaysia common market mark and in alliance with certification bodies in Europe and Asia to offer certification service for organic exporters.

George Siemon, CEO of Organic Valley of Farms, the USA’s largest cooperative of organic farmers said in weak economy, new organic customers will be more cautious. Sales growth has slowed but remains strong because of the loyalty of core organic buyers. They say new consumers are tougher to attract, given that organic can cost 10% to 50% more than non-organic rivals.
Gary Hirshberg, CEO of Stonyfield Farm, a leading organic yogurt maker says “Most of us are seeing slightly slower growth, but we are still seeing growth.” He expects 18% revenue growth this year, up from 16% last year but down from 24% plus in past years. Others also reported slower growth than Wall Street analysts anticipated, including Whole Foods Market and Lifeway Foods.
George Siemon also says existing organic buyers may cut purchases of discretionary items, such as organic ice cream, and to the basic such as organic milk and meat. Siemon earlier targeted 24% growth this year for Organic Valley. Now he is looking for 22% and the co-op had 30% growth last year. The Organic Trade Association said that sales of organic foods and beverages are expected to reach $24 billion this year, and average about 18% annual growth through 2010.
Laurie Demeritt president of market researcher of The Hartman Group says almost 70% of U.S. shoppers bought something organic over a recent three month period. She also says Hartman’s consumer survey earlier this year showed that organic use has been leveling off since 2006, and she also said organic are also seeing increased competition from “locally grown” products, whether they are organic or not.

Representatives of the organic community meet with the US department of Agriculture or USDA Farm Bill Implementation Team to discuss the implementation of organic provisions within the 2008 Farm Bill. The USDA Farm Bill Implementation Team was charged with crafting 70 implementation rules by 90 days after the 18 June enactment of the Bill.
It was arranged by The Organic Trade Association or OTA, was an opportunity to present information on the significance of organic provisions to the team charged with implementing the Farm Bill. Mark Lipson, senior policy analyst for the Organic Farming Research Foundation said “This meeting was very important as we shift from legislative advocacy to the hard work of implementation.” “Our wins in the Farm Bill must be integrated into each agency’s work plan as directed by the USDA leadership, but it won’t happen automatically.”
OTA spokesperson and other participants stressed the importance of National Organic Program funding, organic production and market data, research needs, organic crop insurance provisions, the national cost share certification program, and provisions for organic agriculture in conservation programs. OTA led group include representatives of the Organic Farming Research Foundation or OFRF, National Organic Coalition, Center for Food Safety, National Centre for Appropriate Technology, Rodale Institute, Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, Food and Water Watch and Florida Organic Growers.

With more people interested in buying organic food, a tucked away on the Canandaigua shoreline sits 50 acres of what Wegmans family calls their great experiment.  Wegmans developed a farm that is used as a testing ground to learn more about organic growing and pass on that knowledge to local growers.  Wegmans says his stores have seen an increased demand for organic produce in recent years, despite the fact that it’s usually more expensive.

Anne Grover, the organic farm’s garden manager said “I believe in bringing the heirloom vegetables back,” ”It is good DNA, they’ve survived the test of time, they are open pollinated which I think is very important.  I guess I’m old fashioned girl and an old fashioned gardener.”   Area farmers have noticed the trend as well.  A local farmer Jeff Partyka said, “I think there is an increased demand for growing organic and it is something we are hoping we can do.”  Partyka also owns a small fruit and vegetable farm in Hamlin.

Chickens raised on organic feed are also part of this farm.  Wegmans farm manager Steve Straub said “Once the farm gets going, I think this is a viable way of producing vegetables also.  We are just getting the fields and the soil established and that is the key.”  Those working the fields believe someday organic farming will surpass the traditional way of growing produce.  One area farmer is already considering making the switch from traditional to organic.

Yeo Valley Organic sponsors the Soil Association Organic Food Festival it is the Europe’s largest celebration of all things organic and kicks off this year’s Soil Association Organic Fortnight, this is a nationwide campaign bringing together communities, retailers, restaurants, organic farms and schools.
The festival is now in its eight year and the event will take place in Bristol on September 6 and 7, 2009 and it will be host to over 300 organic companies, showcasing the very best organic food, drink, skincare, and home ware products.

People who will visit will be spoilt for choice with food markets, green plane pavilion, kitchen demonstration, food cruises around harbor, and an arts and entertainment fringe. The festival will open with the Matthew sailing towards the Amphitheatre and new to the festival are the Local Market in Anchor Square, Grow Your Own Organic Garden area, Organic Live!, areas including cookery demos and wine tasting and the food for life Partnership Cooking Bus in the Kid’s zone.

The Soil Association Organic Food Festival is greener than ever with the introduction of sustainably source biofuel to power the festival generators, and an emphasis on travelling to the festival by train, bus and ferry. To encourage people to come by train, the Soil Association, in partnership with First Travel, offering a 2 for 1 offer on festival tickets on presentation of proof of using First Travel transport.